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This Balsamic-glazed Chicken recipe comes out juicy and packed with flavor! Coated in a simple and mouth-watering balsamic marinade, this easy chicken recipe is perfect for a stress-free weeknight meal.

Balsamic chicken with a side of green salad on a dish
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My kids prefer chicken over seafood a million times over, so I am always trying to come up with ways to cook chicken and playing around with flavors. We all loved this one I made with a simple balsamic vinegar marinade that’s made with just olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, garlic, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Perfect to have with salads, use in your meal preps, or pair with all sorts of sides.

I have a similar recipe that I think you will also love. Check out my Honey Mustard Chicken Recipe as well.

Recipe Overview

Skill Level
Beginner
Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
35 mins

Before you get started

Here’s what you should know before you get started.

→ If the chicken breasts you are using are too thick, I recommend slicing them right down the middle lengthwise so you have a thinner breast. This will make it easier and quicker to cook it, especially if you do not have a food thermometer.

→ If baking, throw in some of your favorite veggies on a sheet pan for an easy one-sheet meal.

→ If flattening your chicken breast, do it gently to ensure the chicken doesn’t smash. Make sure to cover in plastic wrap, so the chicken won’t stick to the mallet.

→I like using a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done – it should register 165°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

how do you know when chicken is done?

You know when your chicken is ready when there is no pink inside and the juices run clear. The best way to check and see if the chicken is done is to invest in a meat thermometer, so worth it! Just insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast, the chicken is ready when the thermometer reads at least 165 degrees F.

How Long Should You Marinate the Chicken?

Chicken can be marinated for at least 30 minutes to 8-12 hours or overnight. Often times 30 minutes to 2 hours is a good enough time to marinate chicken, especially chicken breast. Bone-in and whole chicken can be marinated overnight.

Can I use the air fryer?

Yes. You can make this chicken in the air fryer. Place the chicken breast in a preheated air fryer at 375°F and air fry for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Ingredients you’ll need

Here is a list of the ingredients you will need to make this balsamic chicken and what you can substitute them with. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

Ingredients to make balsamic chicken.
  • Chicken Breasts: I used skinless and boneless chicken breasts. You can also use boneless and skinless chicken thighs if you prefer. The cooking time will vary.
  • Olive oil: or you can use avocado oil
  • Low-sodium soy: or you can use coconut amino
  • Balsamic vinegar: If all you have is balsamic glaze, it will work too.
  • Garlic: Use fresh garlic if you can. Garlic powder works, but the flavor will be off a bit.
  • Oregano: I used dried, no need to use fresh.

How To Make Balsamic Chicken

Here’s how you can make this balsamic chicken on your grill pan if you do not have an outdoor grill or an oven.

process shot to marinate the chicken and grill it in a pan.

1️⃣ Marinate the chicken

Place all the marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag, then add the chicken breasts. Toss well to coat and allow them to marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes.

✏️ You can marinate longer or even overnight if you like to save on time.

2️⃣ To Bake

If you decide to use your oven, preheat it to 400°F and grease a baking dish with some oil. Place the marinated chicken breast into the prepared baking dish and bake for 35 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F.

✏️ Ovens vary, and the size and thickness of the chicken breasts will also determine how long it will take to cook through. The best way to check is to use a food thermometer if you have one.

3️⃣ To grill it

If you prefer to use an outdoor grill or an indoor grill pan, add chicken breast onto the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side. Once done, let the chicken sit for a few minutes, and you can drizzle some more balsamic vinegar over it if you prefer.

✏️ Keep an eye on it, you do not want to overcook it.

side shot of a bottle of balsamic vinegar being poured over chicken breasts
5 from 12 votes

Balsamic Chicken Breast

By: Rena
Servings: 2 servings
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 35 minutes
Marinate: 15 minutes
Total: 55 minutes
side view of chicken breast on a plate that is sliced with a side of balsamic salad
Juicy and tender chicken breast marinated in a tangy balsamic marinade and baked to perfection.

Video

Equipment

  • grill pan

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

Instructions

  • Gently pound the chicken breast with the flat side of a meat mallet to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  • Place 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts in a Ziploc bag. Add in the 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons aged balsamic vinegar, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Seal the bag and gently press the marinade around the chicken to combine and evenly coat the chicken.
    marinated chicken breast in a ziplock bag
  • Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

How to bake

    How to grill

    • Preheat the grill for 5 minutes.
    • Add chicken breast onto the preheated grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the center reads 165°F.
      grilled chicken breast over a grill pan with hand holding tongs to grab one

    Notes

    • Use a preheated oven or grill.
    • Line your dish or sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. This makes clean-up much easier!
    • If baking, throw in some of your favorite veggies on a sheet pan for an easy one-sheet meal.
    • If flattening your chicken breast, do it gently to ensure the chicken doesn’t smash. Make sure to cover it in plastic wrap, this means the chicken won’t stick to the mallet.
    • You can use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is done – it should register 165°F.
    • Serve with your favorite sides – keep it light with salads or go heartier with rice/potatoes – whatever you like, really!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1Chicken BreastCalories: 217kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 25gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 72mgSodium: 1005mgPotassium: 492mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 53IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 35mgIron: 1mg

    Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

    Additional Info

    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Tried this recipe?Mention @healthyfitnessmeals or tag #healthyfitnessmeals!

    Storage and Reheating Recommendations

    Storing: Have leftovers? Place in an air-tight sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze for up to 3 months

    Reheating: I recommend just using the microwave to reheat your leftovers. Reheat for 1-2 minutes or until it is heated through.

    What to serve it with

    More Chicken Recipes

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    About Rena Awada

    Hi, Iโ€™m Rena! Welcome to my blog. I am here to help you prepare delicious, light, fresh meals that your whole family will love!

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    5 from 12 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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    16 Comments

      1. The chicken breasts bake together so the timing won’t vary much, maybe another 5 minutes or so. Do you usually use a food thermometer to check temperature?